With chilly temperatures fast approaching, myriad migratory bird species are journeying south due to wintering grounds across China.

Among them, the first flock of wild red-crowned cranes have arrived at their largest winter habitat, the Yancheng Wetland National Nature Reserve, east China's Jiangsu Province. The species is under first-class state protection in China.

"On Oct 26, two families of red-crowned cranes were found for the first time to spend the winter in our reserve. During the two-day patrol, we have found geese, grey cranes, cormorants, white storks and other birds so far. In particular, there are relatively more migratory shorebirds," said Chen Guoyuan, a staff member at the Yancheng Wetland National Nature Reserve.

Every year, the reserve welcomes millions of migratory birds that stop over to reproduce and stay warm until spring. Its staff has even cleared reeds and prepared food to help the birds survive the season. Patrols and monitoring will also be bolstered to ensure the safety of all migratory birds in the area.

(Cover image via CFP)

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